Benefits news: Heart disease risk factors

Feb 18, 2016

February is American Heart Month. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States and is a major cause of disability. About 600,000 people die of heart disease in the U.S. every year. That is one in every four deaths. And every year, about 715,000 Americans have a heart attack. Of these, 525,000 are a first heart attack and 190,000 happen in people who have already had a heart attack.

Some conditions, as well as some lifestyle factors, can put people at a higher risk for developing heart disease. All persons can take steps to lower their risk of heart disease and heart attack by addressing the following risk factors:

High blood pressure

Diabetes mellitus

Tobacco use

Diet

Physical inactivity

Obesity

Alcohol consumption

Heredity

Fortunately, most people can treat heart disease with proper diet and lifestyle changes. Proper diet, early prevention, regular exercise, limiting alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, and managing your stress will all help significantly.

For more information, assessments, videos and podcasts on heart disease go to www.guidanceresources.com (First time users must enter EAPBusiness as your company Web ID and enter UNIVE as your employer name)

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